Esha in the Netherlands wins construction award

Automatic welding machine maximises fire-safe application of bitumen on roofs

On the 5th of February during a gala the Dutch construction award was awarded. Esha has won the Dutch construction award in the category ‘material’!!

The nomination
To maximise the fire-safe application of bituminous and plastic roofing membranes, Esha Waterproofing has designed a new automatic welding machine. The future NEN 6050 (now NVN) will impose statutory requirements regarding “the fire-safe design, detailing and work on roofs” on the roofing industry. By using low oxygen combustion gases in the welding process instead of electronically heated air, there is no risk of fire. Furthermore, the very high capacity of the fully automatic welding machine is similar to the application speed of a burner. The integrated computer regulates the temperature and speed; a constant power supply is therefore less important than with an electric automatic welding machine.

Innovative character
The technology, which involves the combustion of a mixture of gas and air in a closed area, was specially developed for this automatic welding machine. The same technology is currently being adapted for other fire-safe applications, such as hand dryers, drying machines and air knives. The hand dryer is used to apply the details in the roof surface, while the drying machine and air knife are used to dry the existing roofing, thus facilitating work in damp conditions.

Environmentally friendly
The automatic welding machine has an average energy efficiency of around sixty percent, meaning that sixty percent of the heat is actually used for the welding process. This ensures lower gas consumption per square metre of roofing compared with a gas burner. The average efficiency of a gas burner is ten percent.
The automatic welding machine operates on 150 Watts, which is less than electrically driven automatic welding machines which use up to 4000 Watts. In short, automatic welding machines are both climate-friendly and sustainable.

Reinforcing the image of the construction sector
The automatic welding machine promotes the professionalisation of the roofing industry. The development of the automatic welding machine took into consideration the working conditions of the roofer. An important advantage is that the automatic welding machine works in a forward direction. The roofer can therefore see any dangers ahead. The automatic welding machine also has a dead man's handle, so that the machine stops immediately in the event of any calamity.

For more information, please contact Bram Kranenburg, technological coordinator on 06 –  51 32 71 49

 

 

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Esha Group is one of Europe's biggest suppliers of bituminous products and systems with applications in the construction industry, infrastructure and industry. In March 2005, Esha Group joined the Icopal Group. Functionality has priority in the Esha Group. Our products are therefore sustainable and safely dimensioned. Furthermore, we ensure that our products are ’Future Proof’.